October
Featured Story
Helping Your Client Transition From Commercial to Federal Government Contract Work
When employers expand their operation into federal government contract work as prime contractors or subcontractors, they are faced with number of rules that differ from those in the private sector. Statutes and regulations governing treatment of a federal contractor’s employees present a significant challenge both for contractors and for the attorneys advising them. The
consequences of noncompliance can be severe and can include monetary penalties, contract termination, and debarment. Increased government enforcement of these
statutes and regulations is a trap for the unwary and uninformed; therefore, it is well worth the effort (and expense) to understand the different employment statutes and regulations and to bring employment-related practices into compliance with federal laws.
Features
Protecting Subcontractors’ Intellectual Property in Government Contracts: Trades Secrets and Proprietary Data
Intellectual property may take one of many well-known forms, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, but it may also exist in a lesser-known yet highly valuable form of trade secrets and proprietary data. In the context of government contracts, such information may be as valuable to a contractor or subcontractor as the contract itself because of the possibility of follow-on contracts.
The Upcoming Explosion in Government Contract Litigation
We are entering a period of unprecedented oversight of federal government contractors. New laws, regulations, and policies are adding layers of complexity to an already overly complex system. There is a growing tendency to point to government contractors of all types as the source of widespread waste, fraud, and abuse.
Have We Just Seen the Decade of Government Contracting? Looking Back as We Go Forward
As the nation approaches the 10-year anniversary commemorating Sept. 11, 2001, the federal government arrived at an inevitable decision point: What can and should be done about the extent of government contracting?
FAR in the LEED: Taking Green Buildings Out of the Black Box
This article discusses federal green buildings and procurement practices related to them.
The Small Business Administration’s Affiliation Rules: A Trap for the Unwary
Understanding the federal government’s small business regime and its intricacies allows both small and large contractors to advance their business goals of attracting and securing federal projects. As such, it is paramount for both small and large contractors to have a working knowledge of the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s affiliation rules.
The Service Contract Act: A Primer for the New Decade
This article provides general information for companies that provide services to the government and their counsel about the requirements of the SCA and the consequences for companies that fail to follow those requirements.
Metamorphosis of the Sentencing Landscape: Changes in Procedure Affect Judges, Attorneys, and Defendants
Recent legal developments, specifically those emanating from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, are changing the way prosecutors, defense attorneys, and federal judges approach the sentencing of defendants. Keeping abreast of this transforming landscape is crucial for all attorneys. Effective representation is impossible without understanding these recent developments.